Pletcher Assistant Ginny DePasquale Enjoys the Ride

While waiting at Pimlico Race Course for the arrival of Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness Stakes 2017 contender Always Dreaming Tuesday morning, assistant trainer Ginny DePasquale recalled the day her 20-year employment with trainer Todd Pletcher’s stable began.

“We were in Hialeah. I was kind of in between jobs and walked up to him and asked if he was looking for somebody, and he said, ‘Yes, you’re hired.’” DePasquale said. “It was just like that.” 

Three months later, Pletcher and an assistant left Hialeah and headed north, leaving 15 horses under her care. 

“It was like a major promotion after just a couple months,” she said. “Mostly I started out traveling with the horses, going to different racetracks with the horses and saddling. That was my primary job.”

The Philadelphia native has thoroughly enjoyed her expanded role in the Pletcher stable.

“It’s been amazing, because I’ve traveled all over the world – to Dubai six or seven times; I’ve been to Newmarket, Royal Ascot, Goodwood; I’ve been to California back and forth with horses,” DePasquale said. “It’s been a very cool experience.” 

DePasquale has appreciated the professionalism of Pletcher’s operation. 

“He is very easy. He just tells you what he wants. There’s no confusion. He’s a very good boss to work for,” she said.

After Always Dreaming’s arrival from Churchill Downs to Pimlico at 11 a.m. Tuesday, DePasquale continued to marvel at the Derby winner’s attitude.

“He’s so laid back, so easy going. He has no mental issues. He’s a quiet, easy-going horse. It seems like nothing stresses him out,” said DePasquale, who will supervise Always Dreaming’s scheduled one-mile jog at Pimlico at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

DePasquale’s boss is scheduled to arrive in Baltimore Wednesday afternoon.

Source: Maryland Jockey Club